For those of you who like to catch Smallmouth Bass this article is for you. I'm going to reveal one very effective technique that will help you catch more Smallmouth on your next fishing outing. Not only that, but I will also provide you with some tips that will make you a better angler as well. These simple yet effective tips are easily worth the five minutes it's going to take you to read this article.

For the purpose of this article, I'm going to focus on fishing for these bass in the current of a river or stream, simply because that's my area of expertise…river and stream fishing. If you've never had the pleasure of hooking and fighting a two to four pound Smallmouth in the flowing waters of a river or stream, let me assure you that it's as much fun as can be had while clothed! Catching these feisty fish in rivers and streams is a ton of fun.

Let's begin with the technique. It's really quite simple. All that you need are some small swivels, split shot sinkers, pre-tied gang hooks, and live worms. I'm going to assume that you're standing in a river or stream that contains smallmouth bass. Begin by taking the end of your line and tying on a small barrel swivel (size 10 or 12). Now on the opposite end of the barrel swivel, tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10). At this point add split shots above the barrel swivel for weight. Start with two or three, the goal is to have your offering bounce off the bottom as it tumbles naturally with the current. The number and weight of the split shot will have to be adjusted depending on the current. Now simply add a live worm to your gang hooks and your good to go.

The goal is to cast your line parallel to the current, and then let it flow naturally with the current, until the worm is directly below where you are standing. Keep your line taught as it flows with the current, and you should feel it hitting bottom from time to time (getting snagged will happen while using this technique). With a little practice, you'll quickly be able to tell the difference between a bite and bottom.

The technique just mentioned is an extremely effective technique for smallmouth fishing is rivers and streams. It works quite well for trout also, if you're interested? Another great tip is to make sure that your on the water fishing when the fish are the most active. How do you know when the fish are the most active? Simple, by paying attention to the weather and moon, and knowing how these two forces of Mother Nature relate to fishing.

The final tip/technique for smallmouth fishing is to use lures that are as realistic as possible. I realize this might sound very sophomoric, but there are fishing lures that are more realistic than others, and using these amazingly realistic fishing lures will increase your catch rates, it's as simple as that.